Birds of Costa Rica

Wildlife

Birds of Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts 10% of the world's species of bird! 630 resident and 220 migratory variety have been viewed inside its borders. Specific companies have been set up to guide visitors who happen to be bird enthusiasts on tours.

There are four zones of bird habitat within Costa Rica: the northern Pacific lowlands, the southern Pacific lowlands, the Caribbean lowlands, and the Central highlands.

Food preferences for different species range from fruits and nuts to insects to small reptiles, mammals, and fish. Some of the birds in Costa Rica even eat other birds!

TOUCANS AND ARACARIS

Some of the more recognizable birds in Costa Rica sport a large bill and have been popularized into a character named Sam in the United States: toucans. 6 individual species of this banana shaped and brightly billed bird type can be found across the country. The largest of them grows to nearly 2 feet in length, and the distinctive aracaris, a member of the toucan family, are known for their bright plumage yet less dramatic features.

PARROTS AND MACAWS

Parrots are another brightly colored and recognizable family of bird in Costa Rica. The largest of them, sometimes called the King of the species, is the macaw. 16 total macaw species can be found year-round. The Buffon's Macaw remains one of the rarest birds in the world, with an estimated 50 breeding pairs or fewer remaining in the wild. Costa Rica's impressive wilderness protection laws, with 27% protect, is imperative to the survival of species such as this.

RAPTORS

50 different birds of prey, or raptors, can be found in Costa Rica. In fact, the largest species of eagle is among them: the Harpy Eagle. It is critically endangered, but any surviving individuals might be seen tracking down prey of monkeys and sloths. Osprey, falcons, and hawks are other types of predator birds that may be encountered.

QUETZAL

Arguably the most unique species Costa Rica is the quetzal. One of the reasons the quetzal is so prevalent in Costa Rica is the fact that its habitat consists primarily of cloudforests. Historically, European travelers were wowed by its plumage and its feathers became a prized possession. In fact, traveling back through native Costa Rican history, the serpentine God with quetzal feathers called Quetzalcoatl was believed to have blessed tribes and their crops.